Though the farmers on the three neighboring farms are quite different, each raises some type of poultry, each is very mean and ornery, and each shares their dislike of foxes. Can one fox outwit them? Only a very special, indeed fantastic Mr. Fox can — and does! A movie version of the book was released in November 2009.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Having a four-year old sister like Ramona can be a real pain as 9-year old Beezus (aka Beatrice) knows all too well. Ramona likes to do things in her own often pesky, frequently funny, and always imaginative way. The movie version of the modern classic was released in March 2010.
Beezus and Ramona
How the Murray children search through time to find and save their missing scientist father continues to enthrall readers even 50 years after its publication. The author was awarded the Newbery Medal for what has become a classic time travel fantasy.
A Wrinkle in Time
Apollo 13 attempted to repeat Apollo 11’s successful Moon landing. An explosion, however, changed the mission to just get the astronauts home safely. Dual texts and dramatic illustrations tell the remarkable story and extend the information presented.
Lucky 13: Survival in Space
Have you ever wondered about the creator of Mickey Mouse; the man whose name is synonymous with theme parks and family films? Meet Walt Disney in this readable (though unauthorized) biography.
Who Was Walt Disney?
Self-confident, cheerful, and bright but friendless, Dyamond is the newest kid in Mrs. Cordell’s 3rd grade. That is, until a grumpy boy named Free moves to town — and a friendship begins. Lively, believable, and likeable characters introduce this new heroine.
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
Farmer Brown needs help as he prepares for the annual Corn Maze Festival. Of course, all of the animals rise to the occasion — though Duck prepares a small surprise revealed on a final — and very funny — fold out.
Thump, Quack, Moo: A Wacky Adventure
Wilbur is a different kind of mole rat. Instead of always being naked, he dons sporty clothing much to the chagrin of others. That is until his Grand-pah also asks “Why not?” Willems’ understated humor in both text and illustration will delight readers of all ages.
Mole Rat Gets Dressed
A backyard is the ideal place to count animals and their young. Rich language and attractive illustrations encourage readers to count from one doe with her fawn to ten grasshopper nymphs.
In My Backyard
Fancy Nancy is back, this time exploring in her own backyard. Photographs combine with signature illustration to introduce the wonders of real butterflies, birds, leaves, and more — that young explorers anywhere will find and appreciate.
Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire
A not-too-bright scarecrow accompanies Jack on the adventure of a lifetime, far away from the field and birds.
Scarecrow and His Servant
Sound effects and dramatic reading make the humorous saga of an eight-legged hero come to life. Based on the picture book of the same name.
Diary of a Spider
A range of poetic styles, some rooted in the authors’ family, are shared in this handsome, easily accessible collection. Attractive illustrations are sprinkled throughout, building the joy when the poems are shared, even when listening to the beautifully read CD.
Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
While visiting her father and stepmother in a lakeside cabin, Maggie notices a beautiful blue heron in the sky. Seeing this bird each morning helps Maggie through the tough visit, and she summons the strength to help the heron when it seems to be in danger.
Blue Heron
Stillwater, a large panda, tells each child a story that illustrates a principle of Zen. Although the tales will captivate children, adults may recognize the philosophy imbedded in them. Delicate, handsome illustrations capture the mood and flow of the stories.
Zen Shorts
This brief, often poetic, and informative introduction to the Negro Leagues uses period photographs to enhance the information. The period in American history is one of segregation and sadness but also of great joy and achievement.
A Negro League Scrapbook
Liam discovers that he can help his dreary city blossom into a green place that draws everyone out onto rooftops and beyond. Stylized illustrations depict the city’s gradual change from drab to lush and may encourage other young urban gardeners.
The Curious Garden
The friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist who was once enslaved, is presented in richly imagined text and collage illustrations.
Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship
Thirty-five stories of laughter and terror to tickle your horror bone. Full of thirsty vampires, hungry insects, vengeful teachers, evil power tools, singing Girl Scouts, and other terrors.
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies
This novel, written in free verse, tells the story of Kek, an eleven-year-old boy from the Sudan who arrives as a refugee to Minnesota in the middle of winter. In moments both amusing and heartbreaking, it is possible to see through Kek’s eyes what it is like for new immigrants who come to this country and to think about the scars that war leaves on its youngest victims. Teacher’s Guide (opens in a new window) available.
Home of the Brave
Following their more traditional epistolary novel, P.S. Longer Letter Later, the authors re-team for another book, told in the immediacy of email rather than “snail mail.” All the usual tween subject matters (parents, siblings, friends, school) are on display, while the email format allows the characters to speak for themselves.
Snail Mail No More
After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, 12-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: he is a demigod, half human, half immortal. He’s a 21st century son of the ancient Greek god Poseidon on the biggest adventure of his young life — a quest to find out who stole Zeus’s lightening bolt! Together with his trusted friends, Percy travels through the United States, battling monsters and hunting the elusive title character. (Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)
The Lightning Thief
A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories
In the great floating city of Sanctaphrax, blizzards howl through the streets as the Edgeworld descends into an endless winter. Quint, the son of a sky pirate, has just begun his training at the Knights Academy—training that involves heading out over the Edge on tethers to develop his flying skills. But when Quint breaks the rules and heads out to Open Sky on his own, he runs into the great sky leviathans known as cloud-eaters and must use all his skill and ingenuity if catastrophe is not to strike the Edgeworld.